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Archive for April, 2014
Sometimes it's fun to go back in time and assume the role of an NFL general manager. In this particular case, the role we'll be playing is that of Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie. Our goal? To re-pick the entire Raiders' 2013 NFL draft. Last year's draft was a monumental one for McKenzie. It was the first time that he had a host of picks to utilize, including one in the first round—the team's 2012 draft was missing a Round 1 selection thanks to the Carson Palmer trade. We all know that it's unfair to call last year's draft a disaster, as it's still very early ...
The road to the AL West title goes through the two-time defending champion Oakland A’s. And so far in 2014, they don’t look particularly willing to step aside. The A’s 15-10 record through 25 games ties them atop the AL West with the Texas Rangers, and the A’s also find themselves in the top five in MLB in both runs scored and ERA. This is not to say the A’s don’t have imperfections, though. They do, and they’re likely going to need to take care of some of them if they want to finish their season as strong as they’ve started it. MLB ...
The Oakland Raiders have a number of big decisions to make in the 2014 NFL draft, and the direction they choose to go in the first round is certainly the most significant. After a successful free-agency period, addressing a number of glaring needs throughout the roster, there are plenty of possibilities for that first pick at fifth overall.  However, with pressure from ownership to make quick improvement in the coming season, the potential to add an instant-impact player may help bring those options into greater focus.  If available, the prospect with the best chance of becoming that kind of player for the Raiders, ...
Updates from Tuesday, April 29 CBS Sports' Jon Heyman provides some bad news for A.J. Griffin's elbow: Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reports on when the surgery will take place: Original Text Oakland Athletics starting pitcher A.J. Griffin is reportedly likely to undergo Tommy John surgery next week to alleviate the discomfort in his injured right throwing elbow. A source informed Joe Stiglich of Comcast SportsNet California, and he passed along the news of the ominous development for the A's on Friday: However, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Susan Slusser has different information: Griffin was shut down during spring training for three weeks because of his ailing ...
No one really knows what the Oakland Raiders are going to do with the fifth overall pick. Everyone probably knows what general manager Reggie McKenzie would like to do and that’s draft linebacker Khalil Mack, wide receiver Sammy Watkins or defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Every team would love to land one of the top few players on its draft board, but that’s not always realistic. It’s becoming clearer every day that the players the Raiders want are not going to fall to No. 5 barring some kind of miracle. That leaves the Raiders three options: stay at No. 5 and take the ...
Josh Donaldson's rise to stardom has been one of the quickest, and maybe unlikeliest, in recent memory.  After a 3-for-4 night on Thursday, which included two homers and four RBI, his Oakland A's enjoyed a 10-1 rout of the Houston Astros. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle shared this nugget from Donaldson that he had hoped to hit three home runs: Donaldson said he told reliever Ryan Cook that he would hit three homers on Thursday. 'I fell a little short,' he said. 'That was just kind of in fun, but it was nice (to) have a good day especially after the last three ...
The Oakland A's are off to a hot start, sitting at 13-8 through April 23. After losing pitchers A.J. Griffin and Jarrod Parker to injury early in the season, the A's pitching staff has kicked it into gear, posting a 2.69 ERA. Hitting coach Chili Davis is leading an offense powered by monster hitter Yoenis Cespedes. Can the Oakland A's keep it up, or is this early season success a fluke?  Check out Bleacher Report National MLB Columnist Scott Miller break down the A's early season success and why they are the favorite to win the AL West.    All stats through April 23Read more ...
The Oakland Raiders need to have a successful 2014 NFL draft, and there are a number of ways in which they can get creative in doing so.  Whether it’s selecting a quarterback early on, or exploring any and every trade possibility, such creativity will expand their options throughout.  In need of significant improvement in short order, a conventional and “safe” approach to this draft may not be the best course of action. Here are five creative moves the Oakland Raiders can pull on draft day.Begin Slideshow
The 2014 NFL schedule has been released! How does the Oakland Raiders' schedule stack up?  Can they handle a tough playoff push?  When are the divisional matchups and tough road stretches? Watch as Adam Lefkoe and Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris Simms discuss the Raiders' schedule in the video above.Read more Oakland Raiders news on BleacherReport.com
For an active offseason for the Oakland Raiders to pay off, they have to start winning games. Since opponents are known way in advance, the 2014 schedule release just sets dates and times. Of course, that doesn't stop the NFL from turning it into an event with plenty of hype. Things like travel, the bye week and even start times can have an impact on the outcome of games, so a schedule can still be very important. While some schedule impacts will not become clear until more time has passed, there is still plenty to glean from when the Raiders might ...